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==Legarda pulls out from DA P29-M Bicol projects==
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/4490-legarda-pulls-out-from-da-p29-m-bicol-projects
*By: Manly M. Ugalde
*''Monday, December 03, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY—Sen. Loren Legarda has pulled out from the Department of Agriculture (DA) her two farm-to-market road projects in Bicol, with an urgent order to have them transferred instead to the concerned local government units (LGUs) for implementation.

But local contractors who already complied with the procurement requirements cried foul, assailing the DA for suspending the scheduled bidding last Nov. 28. The contractors claimed they had already spent much time and money; and that the suspension order was without any legal basis.

Department of Agriculture Region V chief legal officer lawyer Florante B. Nakor confirmed the sudden transfer of the two projects to LGUs in Bacacay, Albay costing P14 million, and in Baras, Catanduanes for the P15 million. The contracts had a work duration of 120 days.

Nakor said his office was merely following the letter of Legarda to transfer the funds. Contractors quoted Nakor as saying “we do not want to offend or antagonize the senator, citing the contents of the letter.”

 Nakor who is at the same time the OIC-Chief of the administrative division and vice chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee issued Bid Bulletin no. 1 dated Nov. 26 stating his committee was under urgent instruction from his DA regional executive director directing the suspension of procurement proceedings for the two farm-to- market roads upon the urgent manifestation from the office of Senator Legarda in a letter dated Nov. 20.

 It was not clear why Legarda decided to hastily withdraw her pork barrel funds from DA and entrust it to the LGUs for implementation.

 Angry contractors claimed they were informed of the suspension order only on Nov. 28, the day the dropping of bid documents and bidding was supposed to take place for the P14 million Bacacay road opening project.

 According to documents obtained, the road opening project in Bacacay town had Nov 28 as the schedule for the submission of bids and Dec. 3 as the deadline of submission of bids for the Baras (Catanduanes) road-opening contract.

 Speaking on condition his name be withheld, a source said they were all 16 contractors who were qualified and surprised of the last minute suspension orderby Legarda. He said even DA officials claimed they were surprised and apologetic to the angry contractors who were expecting for the bidding to take place.

The source said he had accumulated no less than P60,000 in complying with the procurement requirements to participate in the bidding.

 The documents showed publication for the bidding of said projects was made on Nov. 11 with the Pre-Bid conference with contractors already held on Nov 16.  The submission of bids and actual bidding was dated on Nov. 28.

 Sources said that following receipt of the suspension notice from the DA, they had already received calls from contractors claiming to have the blessing to implement the projects. Among them came from DSB Construction said to be the Infrastructure coordinator of Rep. Edcel Lagman (Albay, First District). DSB owner Rose Bombales, however, denied having a say in the project saying it’s the Alro Construction of Legazpi City that allegedly had the blessing.

The source claimed that many contractors had taken the interest to join in the bidding for the two  projects saying they were juicy contracts, and highly bloated in project cost that can be completed in 14 days at the actual cost of only P2 million.

==Albay puts Xmas festival on hold, readies preemptive evacuation for coming typhoon==
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/284620/news/regions/albay-puts-xmas-festival-on-hold-readies-preemptive-evacuation-for-coming-typhoon
*By: LBG, GMA News
*''Saturday, December 01, 2012''

As a powerful typhoon moved closer to the Philippines, authorities in Albay are putting on hold the province's annual "Karangahan" month-long green Christmas festival and preparing a preemptive evacuation of residents instead.

Governor Jose Salceda directed the month-long Karangahan Festival placed “on hold” starting December 4, according to a report on state-run Philippines News Agency Saturday.

The PNA report said a full-blown preemptive evacuation is to start on Dec. 4

State weather forecasters had said the cyclone, internationally codenamed Bopha, is likely to enter the Philippine area of responsibility Monday. Once it does, it will be locally codenamed "Pablo."

Only last Nov. 26, Albay residents lighted a 50-foot Christmas tree with abaca fiber and 5,000 pili samplings at Peñaranda Park in front of the capitol building, to mark an environment-friendly Christmas.

It was in line with the theme “no fireworks, no plastic and smoke free” program, according to a separate PNA report.

Also, it said that during a meeting to prepare for the typhoon, PAGASA regional weatherman Liberato Dalida Jr. had said there is a possibility the typhoon's power could match that of Reming and Ondoy, both destructive cyclones.

Dalida was quoted in the PNA report as saying there is a chance Pablo will be nearest Albay at 200 km by December 4.

With the scenario, Office of Civil Defense Bicol head Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV placed the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on red alert.

He also ordered local municipal and city disaster risk reduction management councils to be on heightened alert and to activate their respective disaster operation centers.

'''Typhoon intensifies'''

The Japan Meteorological Agency's 2:45 p.m. update indicated the typhoon had intensified to "very strong," with winds of up to 90 knots (166.68 kph) and gustiness of up to 130 knots (240.76 kph).

On the other hand, PAGASA's 5 p.m. bulletin said Bopha was estimated at 1,600 km east of Southern Mindanao as of 2 p.m., with maximum sustained winds of 165 kph and gustiness of upt to 200 kph.

It said Bopha is forecast to move west-northwest at 20 kph.

"Mindanao will have partly cloudy skies with isolated brief rain showers or thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience fair weather," it said.

The coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough, it added. 

==Tsunami-warning systems installed in Pangasinan, Albay –DOST==
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/284490/scitech/technology/tsunami-warning-systems-installed-in-pangasinan-albay-ndash-dost
*By: Edgardo Tugade
*''Friday, November 30, 2012''

The Philippine Institute of  Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) have installed tsunami detection systems that provide real-time information and warning signals in high-risk coastal communities in Pangasinan and Albay, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) reported.
 
Dubbed the Community Tsunami Detection and Warning System, the locally-developed equipment are part of a grant-in-aid project of the DOST called “Establishment of a Cost-Effective Local Tsunami Early Warning System for Selected High-Risk Coastal Communities of the Philippines” or TeWS, a cost-efficient yet reliable system for tsunami forecasts and timely disaster response.
 
The technology basically consists of a platform with a 15-meter high pole, the DOST explained. Two types of sensors are attached to this pole: the ASTI-designed ultrasonic tide gage sensor, which notes the rise and fall of the sea level; and the PHIVOLCS-designed wet and dry sensors. The wet sensor detects post-earthquake receding water which may signal an impending tsunami, while the dry sensor determines if water has already hit the pole. The wet sensor is installed at one-, five-, and 10-meter heights above sea level. 
 
Information generated by the system reaches the local government unit (LGU) in near real-time, the department revealed. In cases when an earthquake is strong enough to cause a tsunami, the LGU can sound off the warning siren to warn those living in coastal areas and give them enough time to prepare and flee their homes, thus allowing the Philippines to climb several notches higher in the area of disaster preparedness and management.
 
The department said the PHIVOLCS and the ASTI installed the complete set of tsunami ultrasonic sensors off Bolinao, Pangasinan in the Lingayen Gulf last September. Later, tsunami warning sirens were installed in these pilot barangays: Barangay Poblacion in Bolinao, Poblacion in Lingayen, and Gueset, Pugaro, and Binloc in Dagupan City. 
 
In Albay Gulf, the tsunami detection system  and a warning siren was installed in the municipality of  Rapu Rapu and four other warning systems were put in place in the capital city of Legazpi. 
 
Two warning sirens are also being built in Subic: two in Olongapo, and one in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the DOST said.  

==Duty Free Philippines opens store in Legazpi City==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771354170282
*By: Shannah Marie O. Montales
*''Thursday, November 29, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY– Not too long after the opening of the night market, Embarcadero de Legazpi has also opened the Duty Free Philippines (DFP) Legazpi branch last Sunday, November 25.

Recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) under Executive Order No. 46, the Duty Free Philippines is a corporation established to maneuver the duty-and tax-free merchandising system in the Philippines.

Its program is responsible in enhancing service facilities for tourists while exercising foreign exchange and regulating revenue for the government.

Duty Free Philippines’ mission is to satisfy the shopping needs of the international travelers in an efficient service environment while showcasing the Filipino traits of warmth and hospitality.

As a world-class travel retailer,it also carries out the task of building a stable and responsive company which enhances its employees’ professional growth and well being and supports the development of the country’s tourism industry.

Imported and labelled fragrances, chocolates, confectioneries, liquor, designer bags, trendy apparels, and even gadgets not found in other malls and department stores in this city await the chic, international shoppers.

The products are all sold in US currency; but Philippine Peso holders can adjust their money with the price of the product in the shop’s standard currency.

“Though it still has limited products compared to other Duty Free Philippines branches in the country, almost all the quality products which can be found in some branches are also here in the Legazpi branch,” said Estrella Monserate, a repatriate and Overseas Filipino Worker in Dubai.

“The November 25 event was only a partial opening. The grand opening will be on December,” explained Chester Celso Olitin of Embarcadero de Legazpi’s Leasing Department.

Certainly, Bicolanos will be looking forward to this especially that this is the first branch of the said shop in the region.

“For a more unique shopping experience, I am inviting everyone to visit Duty Free Legazpi in Embarcadero de Legazpi. Invite your family, friends, and loved ones to shop in our newest member of the Embarcadero de Legazpi family, Duty Free Legazpi.” said Olitin.

==Waterfront lifestyle mall showcases weekend night market fair==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771353979930
*By: Shannah Marie O. Montales
*''Tuesday, November 27, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY- A waterfront lifestyle mall in this city has added another attraction seen to allure Legazpeno and visitors alike with the opening of a night market.

Chester Celso Olitin of the waterfront mall’s Leasing Department said Embarcadero de Legazpi has since Friday last week opened the night market with an exciting combination of a wide range of products and a sense of community that awaits the consumers.

The the idea of putting up a night market in in Embarcadero de Legazpi, came from the idea of flourishing night market phenomenon in Metro Manila and across the country. Open-air night markets are also very popular across Asia Countries like Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea.

Embarcadero de Legazpi, according to Olitin, has adopted this concept suitable to the demands of the Albayanos.

Olitin also cited that people should check out the Embarcadero de Legazpi Night Market as it showcases yummy treats – good and affordable food are available and everyone can enjoy a variety.

One may also indulge into pricey goodies – people who are low in the budget and even those who would want to save a little money need not to worry for clothes, fashion accessories, pillows, trinkets, art, and other bazaar items are sold at very affordable prices.

The concept also promotes a sense of community – an informal crowded setup and the fact that some of the owners personally staff the stalls themselves to enthusiastically explain their products to their customers engenders a sense of community that cannot be seen in other markets.

Anyone can take a break from shopping in the waterfront mall or a long jog from Puro to eat some potato chips and cool down with a sip of fresh buko shake while meeting new friends and enjoying the live band music.

The opening of the night market was highlighted with a blessing of the location, followed by a fireworks display and the trademark Batucada Show [a style of Brazillian music performed by a group or ensemble of percussion which is influenced by African culture (yahoo.com)] of Embarcadero de Legazpi.

“Embarcadero de Legazpi is basically a night mall and people flock over to it during the night so it is very suitable to have a night market open here,” he added.

The Embarcadero de Legazpi Night Market is the first night market in this city.

“Legazpeños, tourists, shoppers and all are gladly invited to visit Embarcadero de Legazpi’s Night Market. Affordable items can be bought at affor`dable prices. Everyone is welcome to party with us and shop at our Night Market, the first one in Legazpi City,” Olitin said.

The night market is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5:00 p.m.-12:00 mn until December. 

==Albay’s smoke-free ordinance now in effect==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771353893968
*By: Marlon A. Loterte
*''Monday, November 26, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY- The provincial government of Albay has publicly launched on November 19 one of the province’s landmark ordinance prohibiting smoking in all public places manifesting an intensified campaign to ensure healthy lifestyle and protection of environment.

At least 500 anti-smoking advocates from government sectors, led by Albay provincial government officials, and private sectors thronged to the main streets of this city joining the advocacy parade and converged at the provincial park for the launching program.

The anti-smoking provincial ordinance takes effect 90 days after publication in local newspaper of general circulation.

The said ordinance was authored by board member and Committee on Health and Social Services chairman Herbert Borja and signed by Albay governor Joey Salceda last May 16 this year.

The launching of the provincial ordinance also paves the way for the full implementation of plans and activities and enforcement of policies that would apply to all persons, whether natural or juridical, whether resident or not, and all places, found in the three cities and 15 municipalities of Albay.

Borja said the legislative measure aims to protect and promote the right to health of the people, hence, the ordinance prohibiting smoking in public, private places whether enclosed or outdoor.

The ordinance also prohibits the purchase and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors. It also imposes restrictions on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship activities of tobacco companies.

Also under this ordinance under section 9, referring to penalties, the provision states that any person found violating this ordinance will be fined P 500 for the first offense; P 1,000 for the second offense; and P 3,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.


In case the violator has no money to pay the fine he or she may opt to render community service such as cleaning the parks, canals, esteros, public markets and other public places or tree planting.

Tasked to pursue information dissemination and monitor the enforcement of anti-smoking advocacies of the province is the Smoke-Free Albay Network (SFAN).

SFAN was created through executive order No. 13-201 signed in October last year by Governor Joey Salceda, also the honorary chair, to monitor and encourage the enforcement of laws, circulars, ordinances and resolutions on anti-smoking.

It, too, promotes healthy lifestyle.

SFAN is an aggregation of national government agencies, local government offices and non-government organizations, including religious groups.

The provincial government’s provincial ordinance on anti-smoking complements programs of the Department of Health (DOH) but also the Civil Service Commission (CSC) which are mandated to promote public health through regulating cigarette or tobacco-smoking in public places.

Also highlighting the launch were messages on commitment of supports, led by board members and Committee on Environment chair Arnold Embestro, sectors of health, education, non-government organizations and civic society, national government offices, military and police, among others.

==Karangahan’ Green Christmas ’12 kicks off Nov. 25==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771353656985
*By: Marlon A. Loterte
*''Saturday, November 24, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY– Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas kicks off Sunday, Nov. 25, marking a month-long holiday season celebration and advocacy campaign for healthy living, environment care and zero casualty goal in the province.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said this year’s Karangahan is zeroing in on fortifying family ties through showcase of numerous fun fares for every family and the entire community to indulge in for the holiday season and pursuing safe environment underlining ‘plastic-free, smoke-free and zero casualty from firecracker in the month-long revelry.

Karangahan is a Bicol term derived from the root word 'ranga', which refers to a higher level of joy and contentment, and later was used to mean endearment.

Salceda will lead the official opening of the Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas on Sunday night at Penaranda Park with the lighting of the 20-meter high Green Christmas Tree, a symbol that enjoys a central position in the Christmas celebration of Albayanos.

Karangahan is launched year after year with the lighting of this Green Christmas tree in a new concept that is assembled from over 3,000 Pili tree seedlings showcasing the campaign for proper solid waste management through a ‘no plastics – less garbage’ celebration.

Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar and former Senator Miguel Zubiri will join the governor in the switching on the lights of the Green Christmas tree, while GMA-7 artist LJ Reyes and rock band Itchyworms will stage an entertainment show on the same opening night.

In 2010, Albay Green Christmas was held essentially to pursue advocacy for less pollution and reduced carbon emissions through ‘iwas paputok’ with zero casualty goal on holiday seasons and proper solid waste disposal through ‘no plastics and less waste revelries.

Salceda has since issued a memorandum to provincial government heads, employees and barangay officials strictly prohibiting the use and explosion of firecrackers and encouraging the use of organic and indigenous materials for decorations and food serving instead of plastics.

As the festivity evolves, new ingredients were added to bring out the bests in Albay and among Albayanos articulated last year by culinary arts and other cultural forms.

Of the many activities lined up of the Albay Green Christmas this year, of special interests anew are the Culinaria Albay that showcase Albay’s local cuisine and its world-competitive restaurants, Paskuhan Karangahan nightly entertainment, Luntiang Pasko garden show, Barangay on-site Green Christmas Belen contest, Pasko sa Kapitolyo-Agrikulturang Organiko, sports fests, trade fair, Albay art exhibition, Green Santa, sectoral day, among others.

Karangahan fittingly describes the relationship of Albayanos in the endearment (ranga) to its culture, arts, history and nature; collective and unrelenting advocacy for climate change adaptation, environmental protection; and sense of pride and attachment to place given its evolving dynamics of community-building. 

==Feature: AlMaSor Tourism Alliance gaining headway==
*Source: www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771353480961
*By: Marlon A. Loterte
*''Thursday, November 22, 2012''

The risk seems worth it. To those who frequent the place, distance and perhaps proximity would matter less, much more travel time. We ask you, why not try to make the most of it. Take off to the islands of the Masbate province that offer adventures to everyone who wants to discover some off the beaten path.

With the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Bicol pursuing the Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon Tourism Alliance, or AlMaSorTA, the tourism road map for the entire region is seen to achieve development not only in mainland Bicol but also in the island province of Masbate.

This calls for a more integrated and comprehensive promotion strategy to market the potentials of tourism industry eyeing some 650,000 foreign tourist arrivals in the area annually within five years.

The alliance among the three provinces complements another Bicol regional tourism cluster already in place -- the Catanduanes-Camarines Sur-Camarines Norte Tourism Link (CCTL).

The recent familiarization trip to Masbate, with this writer joining the AlMaSorTA Technical Working Group (TWG) on Tourism of Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC), has revealed anew the hidden treasures right in the heart of the Philippines with the provinces’ undisturbed natural reefs and reserves, natural white sand beaches and clear blue water, natural rock formations, caves, waterfalls, flora and fauna, local delicacies, crafts, culture and heritage, among other Masbate’s pride and best destinations.

In AlMaSorTA, Albay will serve as gateway to Sorsogon and Masbate.

Tour packages can start from Albay’s tourist destinations, then move among Sorsogon best destinations and then off to the islands of Masbate province, providing travelers a scenic voyage, seeing islands with rolling hills left and right, a lighthouse and the energizing sea breeze.

Tourism activities could start with a trip to areas by or downslope Mayon volcano, Cagsawa ruins, Wildlife Park, Lignon Hill view deck and Puro Boulevard. This can extend to the renowned Misibis Rain Tree Resorts and the nearby Cagraray Eco Park, caves, beaches, spring resorts, among other natural wonders.

Sorsogon comes next as tourists may choose to interact with the “butanding,” or whale shark, in Donsol town or tour significant historical places and bask in the pristine white sand beaches along the Pacific coastlines, enjoy the ice-cold sulfuric waters of spring resorts or dip into the hot spring down the slopes of Bulusan volcano in Irosin town. They may even try trekking to Bulusan volcano, and then take a side trip to Bulusan lake and natural park.

And, of course, no one should miss the long and winding fine white sand of Subic beach in Matnog, much more interacting with different species of marine wildlife at Juag Lagoon.

From Sorsogon via Pilar or Bulan towns, one can take the three- to four-hour trip by sea, either via the Roll on-Roll off (RoRo) ferries, fast crafts and outrigger boats – and, rest assured, the vessels are registered with concerned government agency to ensure sea worthiness, and that they are equipped with communication facilities, lifesaving gear and competent crew -- going to Masbate’s several ports in Ticao Island or Masbate mainland for another fun and adventure at sea or by land.

One can also take the RoRo or outrigger boats via Pioduran in Albay en route to Claveria municipal port that will take less than a 30-minute trip by land to enjoy the sights and… yes, sea food, in Barangay San Isidro with a more than five-kilometer stretch of fine white sand beaches facing the Sibuyan strait.

Vice mayor Froilan Andueza, in an interfacing with the members of the TWG-RDC, cited and proposed the rehabilitation and improvement of road networks and facilities in Claveria-San Isidro-Boca Engano that will provide easy access to locales with tourists getting around the municipality.

The proposal was also recommended for inclusion in the convergence program for tourism of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Tourism (DOT).

Citing another showcase of Burias Island is San Pascual town, some 58 kilometer from Claveria town proper by land, although the roads remain unpaved or not concreted and only few public transports, mostly motorbike knows as “habla-habal” taxi. Only a few passengers prefer to take sea travel, however, with the trip taking some three or more hours.

San Pascual town boasts of several islands, including Sombrero that also serves as a sea turtle sanctuary, Tinalisayan islet and sandbar, Guindoyanan point sunken galleon that is labeled the heart (geographic center) of the Philippine archipelago, and Templo, among others.

One can also visit on one of Masbate’s three major islands of Ticao Island, the beautiful beaches, diving sites to interact with manta rays and sharks, coral garden for snorkeling, natural springs and waterfalls, and whale shark watching.

Off Ticao Island during the dinner meeting with chief executives of the four municipalities, TWG-RDC recommended consolidated efforts and measures in the implementations of their respective tourism development plans identifying projects for private-sector investments which could be packaged into one investment brochure for dissemination to potential investors; develop a common local incentive codes; implement business permit and licensing system (BPLS) reforms;

Avail of productivity programs of the DOLE and RTWPB to improve services of tourism-related establishments; tap the assistance of the cave committee and the regional eco-tourism committee of the DENR (for caves and eco-tourism development, respectively); and with Mayor Espiloy of Monreal as member of the RDC, he can make representation of the concerns of Ticao Island particularly the problems common to all local government units, which is illegal fishing.

On the third day of the familiarization sorties, Mayor Socrates Tuason and the city officials hosted a luncheon meeting with the TWG-RDC, the city tourism office focuses its development on the city’s eco-tourism development areas, promoting the bio-diversity triangle which consists of Pawa Mangrove Park, Bugsayon Marine Sanctuary, and the Buntod Marine Sanctuary.

Masbate City, according to Tuazon, is also mulling and at present pursuing to be the primary key service center for Masbate province.

Masbate Governor Rizalina Seachon-Lanete, meanwhile, was appreciative of the TWG-RDC brief visit to the province, noting that the rounds of Masbate’s tourism potentials, consequently, the efforts pursued through the help of the RDC, Masbate will no longer be left out in pursuit for development of the mainland Bicol.

Bicol RDC chair and Albay Gov. Jose Salceda had initiated such strategic approach to accelerate tourism development and enhance the attractiveness of Bicol as a tourist destination.

The RDC chair believed that the realignment of tourism activities in all provinces in the region will enable the Bicol peninsula to have a more coherent market positioning and promotion.

He said the cluster needs the completion of several priority projects for its external market access.

Salceda also earlier cited the need for infrastructure development to make the region fully accessible through Southern Luzon International Airport in Daraga, Albay seen to be completed in 2014; the modernization of the South Railways under the DOTC with the South Central Station in Barangay Comun, Camalig, Albay and spur lines to Legazpi City and to Matnog, Sorsogon; the proposed four-lane Naga-Legazpi freeway to link CCTL with AlMaSor, among others.

Salceda spearheaded the organization of the alliance, signing early this year an agreement of group cooperation with Masbate Gov. Rizalina Seachon-Lanete and Sorsogon Gov. Raul Lee.

==Proposal to tax text messaging slammed==
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/economy/3649-proposal-to-tax-text-messaging-slammed
*By: businessmirror.com.ph
*''Tuesday, November 20, 2012''

Legazpi City—The recent suggestion from an International Monetary Fund (IMF) official to tax mobile-phone messages has sparked criticisms from local officials here, calling it an “intervention on domestic economic policy.”

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, in a statement,  said the SMS (short messaging system) bundle pricing is so cheap and offers room to be taxed at only about P0.10 per text, but “more communications is still better than less communication, and given a base of 100 million cellular subscribers, a tax on text is unlikely to be progressive and could prove to be regressive since it could disrupt the initially low pricing points.”

The suggestion to tax SMS was made by IMF chief Christine Lagarde during a recent news conference in Malacañang, taking the cue from the favorable reception of the “sin” tax bill, and saying it is “another good revenue source for the Philippine government.” She said telephone coverage in the country of nearly 100 million people has reached 112 percent. The Philippines is dubbed as the world’s “texting capital.”

In his Facebook account, Salceda a reknown economist and former adviser to Philippine presidents, slammed the proposal as out of place and a bad idea, and called IMF an interventionist: “Bad habits are harder to break. Pakialamerang IMF at wala sa lugar at wala sa tamang kaisipan.” His statement was titled: “No to IMF intervention  on domestic economic policy.”

“If you want higher revenues, then let us improve collections. If collections are at their structural limits, let us broaden the base for taxation, reduce exemptions—let us pass the fiscal incentives rationalization. If not, let us increase the excise tax on mining. If we really have to increase taxes on text, it must be by increasing tax rates on all products,” he added.

Salceda pointed out that while he “fully and consistently advocates higher taxes on sin products to reduce their consumption and to pay for their negative impacts, SMS has no consumptive logic, neither does it promote any “intrinsic evil.” A former congressman, he supported many revenue measures and has authored the expanded value-added tax law.

“Tax it if texting or cellular-phone use disturbs work and lowers labor productivity, but this is largely conjectural. And the negative impact on productivity could be easily corrected and controlled,” he said.

Imposing tax on SMS “because it promotes infidelity is an uncommon thinking and treads on a very slippery slope of logic that opens virtually many other facets of life to increased taxation—like motels, tricycle drivers, movie houses. Excise tax on prostitution—any one? In any case, policy-making must be evidence-based, not opinion-driven,” the governor stressed.

“So let’s tax industrial success or let us punish marketing innovations and technological advances because they boost profitability. Well, telecom firms already pay 12-percent VAT, 32-percent income tax and enjoy no fiscal incentives just like everybody else. So, why an excise tax on texts? Does texting use up non-repeating resources like mining which is taxed only 2 percent?” he said

==Albayano’s ‘100 Kislap’ named best fiction, Nat’l Book Award==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771353302990
*By: PIA
*''Monday, November 19, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY- "100 Kislap" by Bikolano writer Abdon M. Balde Jr. was awarded the 2011 National Book Award for Best Book of Fiction by the National Book Development Board and the Manila Critics Circle during its 31st National Book Awards ceremonies held November 17 at the Old Senate Session Hall of the National Museum of the Philippines, City of Manila.

Balde hails from Busac, Oas, Albay. He is Albay’s Poet Laureate and provincial government consultant for Cultural Affairs. He is the current chairman of the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas and also a board member of the Filipinas Copywrite Licensing Society.

The award is Balde’s fourth.

The book, 100 Kislap, is a collection of 100 short-short fiction, each story not more than 150 words.

These are stories of love and passion, betrayal and revenge, crime and retribution, myths and legends, realism, absurdity, fantasy, and many, many more.

The citation reads, “After writing novels and lengthy stories, Balde has shown remarkable discipline in writing a hundred stories each of which does not exceed 150 words. By doing so, he reluctantly promoted the writing of "dagli" in the Philippines, a tradition at the turn of the 20th century that was restrained and suppressed by critics who were supporting the short story genre of the Americans.

In 100 Kislap, Balde heightened the effect of the dagli with his exemplary use of humor and irony. Balde’s example is proof that literary works need not be long and boring.

His third book, “Mayong,” a collection of the legends surrounding Mayon Volcano told in the present-day settings, won National Book Award for the year 2003, “for its engrossing narrative set in the Bikol Region—written in mellifluous Tagalog or Filipino—one that merges deathless legend and fantastic lore with the romance of present-day realities, in the process weaving a well-told tale of the crossover between the natural and the supernatural.”

His novel, “Hunyango sa Bato,” won the 2004 National Book Award and the Juan C. Laya Prize for Best Novel in Vernacular Language and was cited as “ a novel daring in style, topic, and characterization, a novel unafraid to challenge what were previously thought to be unbreakable rules of writing and language, a novel forcing the reader to remember past events that still mold the present, a chameleon-like novel showing only one true color.”

Another collection of short stories, “Calvary Road,” won the 2005 National Book Award and the Juan C. Laya Prize for Best Book of Fiction.

The citation read, “There are 32, count them, 32 very short stories, pinioned by the textured covers of Cavalry Road. There is painful truth, delicious uncertainty and confident craft in these tales. Its scope is ambitious and its scale is impressive. It is a narrative road to be trekked in bits and pieces, to be savored one story at a time. Balde’s invitation is not one to be ignored.”

Balde was also conferred the 2010 Ani ng Dangal Award by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the 2009 South East Asian Writers Award by the Crown Prince of Thailand and the 2009 Bikol Regional Artist Award for Literary Arts by Mayor Jesse Robredo.

He has won the 2003 Rokyaw Ibalong Award for Most Outstanding Bikolano in Literature and a Palanca Award for Short Story in the same year. 

==Aquino names 2nd state university in Bicol==
*Source: businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/3342-aquino-names-2nd-state-university-in-bicol
*By: Manly M. Ugalde
*''Sunday, November 18, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY—There are now two state universities in Bicol.

The second, signed into law by President Aquino, surprisingly is in the depressed island of Catanduanes, one of the six provinces in the region.

Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda broke the news, saying the former Catanduanes State Colleges had earned the reputation of providing good education to students in the region.  He said students come as far as Camarines Norte, Masbate, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur and Albay.

Both the Bicol University (BU) and Catanduanes State University (CSU) also have records of doing well, if not topping board examinations, particularly in the field of engineering. A BU graduate bagged the top score in the civil engineering board a few years ago.  Its graduates have consistently landed in the top 10.

Salceda said the state-owned BU and CSU are giving astounding performance in the field of education which other state colleges in the region are competitively following suit.

He said his province has already produced, under his stewardship, more than 160,000 scholars.  BU bagged the first and second slots in the recently held electrical engineering board examination.  In the last board exams for mechanical engineering in Septmeber 2012, BU again grabbed the second and 10th slots, a development that is a source of much pride to the local learning institution.

Salceda said every person has the right to a higher education, adding that under his program, the Albay Higher Education Contractual Scheme (Ahecs), the provincial board had passed an ordinance creating its own Department of Education, probably the only one in the country.

He said Ahecs scholars are granted a P5,000 enrollment assistance until graduation. BU has 54 contracted educators in Albay.

Records showed a CSU graduate and son of a poor and ordinary fisherman topped the 2011 board exams for civil engineering with two others garnering the second and third slots, a feat that bolted the virtually unknown college institution into prominence.

CSU officials said the school still charges the lowest tuition with an average of P3,000 per semester compared to other state colleges of reputed status.

According to CSU President Minerva L. Morales, the conversion of the Catanduanes State Colleges into a university was actually signed by President Aquino on October 19. The President also signed the conversion of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges in Naga City to Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology under Republic Act (RA) 10231.

Morales said the President was initially reluctant to sign the state college’s conversion due to the existing moratorium in the creation of new state colleges and conversion into universities. However, before the President left for New Zealand, he signed RA 10229 converting the Catandunes State Colleges into a university.

CSU was initially known as the Catanduanes National Agriculture and Trade School. It was later renamed the Catanduanes Agriculture and Industrial College. In 1971 it was converted into the Catanduanes State Colleges worked out by the late Rep. Jose M. Alberto credited with the construction of the present sprawling 120-hectare school dubbed as the best and conducive learning institution in the region.

Catanduanes Gov. Joseph Cua said that with the state college’s conversion to a university, “we expect more enrollees from other Bicol provinces. He said CSU’s current student population was already nearing 8,000.

==4 drug pushers nabbed in Legazpi==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/17/12/4-drug-pushers-nabbed-legazpi
*By: ABS-CBNnews.com
*''Saturday, November 17, 2012''

Four alleged drug pushers were arrested in buy-bust operations in Legazpi City last November 14, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo Cacdac Jr. said in a statement released Saturday that members of the PDEA and Philippine National Police (PNP) confiscated 39 grams of shabu worth P200,000 in two separate entrapment operations in Legazpi.

The four suspects were identified as Michael Basco, 37; Michelle Vargas, 26; Rowena Duran, 22; and Kristine Relucio, 22.

Basco and Vargas were arrested by PDEA Regional Office 5 after receiving the marked money from a poseur-buyer in Tahao Road, Barangay Cruzada at around 4 p.m.

Seized from them were 35 grams of shabu worth over P175,000. 

At around 6 p.m., another buy-bust operation was conducted by PDEA agents in Governor Forbez Street, Barangay Bay-Bay.

Duran and Relucio were arrested after selling four grams of shabu to a PDEA poseur-buyer.

The four suspects will face charges for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) in relation to Section 26 (Conspiracy), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

==DOLE steps up drive against child labor, leads advocacy run==
*Source: www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771352940766
*By: Marlon A. Loterte
*''Thursday, November 15, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY- Alarmed over the increasing incidence of child labor in the Bicol region, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is seeking people’s participation to address this social menace.

DOLE 5 Regional Director Nathaniel V. Lacambra said the agency will spearhead the “Run Against Child Labor” to inform, educate and call for action among the various sectors and general public in campaign against incidence of children engaged in hazardous work.

Lacambra said the fun run cum information and advocacy drive is a five-kilometer run that intends to raise people's awareness on the hazard of children working in hazardous environment.

The rising incidence of child labor in the region has prompted the agency to intensify related campaigns in partnership with local chief executives and the Department of Social Welfare and Development .

A survey by the National Statistics Office (NSO) has indicated that some 300,000 children in Bicol have been engaged in hazardous work.

NSO and the International Labor Organization (ILO) last year, indicated that Central Luzon tops the list of areas that have the highest incidence of child labor with 316,000 followed by Bicol region with 300,000, Western Visayas – 250,000, Northern Mindanao – 248,000, and Central Visayas with 225,000 child laborers.

Lacambra said they aim to remove Bicol from the list of regions with high incidence of child labor.

The study indicated that the country has a total of 30 million children with ages ranging from 5 to 17 years. Of this figure, 5.4 million or 19 percent are considered as working children.

“We are still in the process of validating the results of the survey. It’s hard to accept that we have this figure. This is the reason why we need to step-up our child labor program,” he said.

Taking part in conducting the “Run Against Child Labor” marathon are the DOLE 5 Employees Cooperative (Dolevecco), DOLE 5 Employees Union (DOLEV EU), and DOLE Regional Coordinating Committee as collaborators.

The fun run is one of the regional office's celebratory activities for the DOLE's 79th Foundation anniversary on December 8.

At stake during the fun run, Lacambra said, are prizes ranging from P7,000 for 1st prize, P5,000 for 2nd prize, and P3,000 for 3rd prize.

The proceeds of the marathon will be allotted for the 2013 Project Angel Tree, which gets 30 percent share. Project Angel Tree is an annual gift-giving and feeding event sponsored by the DOLE in partnership with private establishments.

Participants in the “Run Against Child Labor” will be charged a registration fee of P200, inclusive of a t-shirt.

Dolevecco chairman and DOLEV EU president Raymond Escalante said the fun run is the organizations' way of showing their support to the leadership of Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and her anti-child labor agenda.

"The employees' union and the cooperative also share the burden on how to achieve our goal of eliminating child labor, particularly in its worst forms. Through cooperation with our leaders here in the region and at the central office, we know we could end this child labor menace in Bicol," he said. 

==Christmas fest in Albay==
*Source: http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/13/christmas-fest-in-albay/
*By: Manila Standard Today
*''Tuesday, November 13, 2012''

Albay province will commence its month-long Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas 2012 Edition on Nov. 25. The festival will further underscore the ‘plastic-free, smoke-free and Zero Casualty’ advocacy and goals of the province.

The festival culminates on Christmas Day and constitutes the last of the province’s long list of year-round festivities.

Karangahan sa Pasko will also present the province’s giant 60-foot Christmas tree in a new concept at the Albay Park. The Christmas tree was assembled from over 3,000 Pili tree seedlings.

Albay Gov. Joey S. Salceda recently issued a memorandum to provincial workers prohibiting the use and explosion of firecrackers and encouraging the use of organic and indigenous materials for decorations and food serving.

==Bicol Express delayed again==
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/2257-bicol-express-delayed-again
*By: Manly M. Ugalde
*''Thursday, November 08, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY—The much-awaited train travel to this city from Manila has been suspended. Chances are, it will be delayed for another two months.

Philippine National Railway (PNR) general manager Junio “June” Ragragio said during the regular Regional Development Council meeting early last month it would resume its operation the last week of October or the first week of November following the completion of the 40-meter long Travesia bridge in Guinobatan town, 22 kilometers from Legazpi.

The so-called “Bicol Express” train had not serviced Legazpi for the past six years.

Ragragio said the expected train travel to Legazpi starts the regular Manila – Legazpi travel operation of the once famous Bicol Express.

Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda who presided at the RDC meeting hailed the PNR management, saying the much-awaited Bicol Express operation to Legazpi was a big economic booster. He added the train operation “should not be left behind” by the national government in its modernization program.

Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal said the much-awaited train arrival, however, was aborted when a train was derailed in Sariaya town as a result of bad weather.

PNR spokesman Paul Dequiros said it may take two months to complete the repair of the damage caused by the incident on the bridge, some stations, and the washed-out embankment.

Before the Sariaya incident, the PNR train had already been servicing Ligao City in Albay almost six years after Typhoon Reming devastated the area in November 2006.

Residents along railroad tracks in Legazpi and nearby Daraga town, however, were skeptical about the resumption of the train’s operation, citing two fatal incidents.  One involved a man who was crushed to death while resting inside his car parked at the railroad near the family residence in Legazpi.  Late last month a resident in Polangui town was crushed to death while crossing the railway. 

A Legazpi City official who asked not to be named for lack of authority to talk said the PNR modernization program that would include a local Legazpi-Naga City operation similar to the Light Rail Transit may not prosper in the region.

The source said trains plying the Bicol route particularly Albay, a disaster-prone area, could not traverse the tracks which are often destroyed by floods. They said Typhoon Reming inflicted heavy damage on PNR tracks, with mudflow burying the tracks in barangay Busay, Daraga town. He said informal settlers also congest railroad tracks, which deters the PNR rehabilitation and modernization program.

In 2006, then-Albay Cong. Joey Sarte Salceda asked the government to relocate the regional center from Legazpi City to Naga City, saying his province was a disaster-prone area. Salceda made the recommendation when he was a speaker in a commencement exercise of a local university.

PNR said some 50,000 squatter-families reside along the railroad tracks from Legazpi to Calamba, Laguna. The presence of illegal settlers along the route poses a threat to the rehabilitation and modernization of the PNR. Relocation of the squatters would cost P12 billion at P250,000 per family. The PNR said it did not have the money to implement it.

Ragragio said the PNR operation in Bicol was not making money yet but the rehabilitation continues. He said PNR’s rehabilitation and modernization program includes the operation of the 90-km. Legazpi–Naga route similar to the LRT in Metro Manila.

At the Legaspi-Daraga railroad sites alone, squatters already live very close to the railways. The space is just enough to allow a train to squeeze itself through.

==Bicol city police chief sacked==
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/2143-bicol-city-police-chief-sacked
*By: Manly M. Ugalde
*''Wednesday, November 07, 2012''

TABACO CITY, Albay—During his month-long tenure as police chief of this city, Col. Adan Magdasoc rid Tabaco of the illegal numbers game and drug trafficking that tremendously worried city residents.

Surprised members of the city council now want to know why the Philippine National Police regional and provincial command suddenly relieved Magdasoc from his post on Nov. 1.

Magdasoc had replaced Col. Nilo Berdin who was Tabaco police chief for only three months. PNP chief director general Nicanor Bartolome sought Berdin’s for dismissal from service following Camp Crame’s probe citing him responsible over the missing ammunitions in Maguindanao under his custody when he was CIDG chief of the  Autonomous Regions for Muslims Mindanao. The ammunitions reportedly served as vital evidence in the multiple murder cases filed against the Ampatuans.

Tabaco residents said they felt secure the way Magdasoc launched his campaign against drugs and the illegal numbers game, saying it was the first time the city was spared from the rampant illegal numbers game like jueteng, jai-alai and their bookies. They added that those involved in the illegal drug trade were on the run.

PNP regional director Chief Supt. Jose Arne De Los Santos would not answer text messages same with Albay police provincial director Col. Ruben Sodsod and his spokesman provincial deputy commander for administration Col. Paulino Belga.

Tabaco vice mayor Rey Bragais told reporters the city council was caught flat-footed over the sudden relief of Magdasoc he described as a “no non-sense” police official who showed  that illegal operations can be licked if only the police wanted to.

 Councilor Oscar Rocha said the case of Magdasoc was similar to the case of Special Police Officer 2 Victor Borjal who was relieved in Tabaco and reassigned to another town some three months ago after arresting jueteng collectors and raiding bookies. Borjal’s relief was ordered by Sodsod who was then newly designated provincial police director.

Last week, Camp Crame ordered relieve Camarines Sur provincial police director Col. Ramon Ranara, this time for not acting against jueteng and jai-alai operations despite orders coming from then-Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Rocha lamented that Magdasoc was ridding Tabaco City of the illegal numbers game including drugs which his predecessors failed to do. He mentioned about former police chief Col. Joel Turla Ada who after two years as police chief tried to disturb jueteng operation. The next time that happened, Ada was relieved by Sodsod, Rocha said.

Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro could not be reached for comment but civic officer lawyer Teddy Contacto partly blamed the city leadership for the relief of Magdasoc. Contacto claimed that residents are wondering why the city leadership seemed allergic on police officers who were performing their duties. He said his classmate, Bocalbos who also became Tabaco police chief before Ada had even expressed a sigh of relief when he was ordered relieved.

==Cambodian DRR managers to study best practices at Albay's Climate Change Academy==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771352163741
*By: PIA
*''Tuesday, November 06,2012''

LEGAZPI CITY- Fifteen members of the Cambodian Joint Climate Change Initiative (JCCI) are visiting Albay this week to study in brief the province’s valuable strategies on climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR).

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the visitors will be in the province for five days starting November 5, for a learning exchange with the Climate Change Academy and to share approaches on coping mechanisms through community based organizations.

The group will have a meeting with Salceda at the Climate Change Academy of Albay where they will be provided an opportunity to personally hear the governor discuss Albay’s holistic approach to CCA and DRR, which had elevated the province to a world class category in the campaign on climate adaptation.

Albay is UN’s global model in in CCA and DRR and Salceda had been proclaimed its Senior Global Champion and spokesman, and now sits as director of the Green Climate Fund of the United Nations Framework Convention on climate Change representing Asia.

The province had since then become a venue of many seminars and trainings, and visits from CCA and DRR practitioners from other countries, and specially most recently after the establishment of the the Climate Change Academy at the Bicol University, in this city.

The academy is first of its kind in Asia and was also a brainchild of Salceda, who pioneered CCA and DRR in local governance and made popular the ‘zero casualty’ and ‘preemptive evacuation’ strategies which has since then adopted by the national government and other LGUs .

The visiting group is organized particularly under the Joint Climate Change Initiative of Capacity Development of Cambodian Non-Government Organizations and funded by Forum Syd of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

The visit is coordinated by the Ateneo School of Government, led by Jessica Asne Dator –Bercilla who coordinated the learning exchange.

Bercilla in a recent letter to Salceda, said the visitors will have sessions on: Climate Change Legal Framework, Programmes and Approaches in the Philippines at the Oriental Hotel; Learning Exchange with the Climate Change Academy of Albay at the Bicol University; share experiences on various projects of community based organizations.

The group is set visit the island town of Rapu-rapu to learn how it had coped with disasters, and ‘give them a chance to reflect on the challenges of living in small islands’ .

The Cambodians are also scheduled to visit Sorsogon City for a visit on a community based adaptation program and in Bulan town, Sorsogon for a session on national resource management.

==Controversial Philhydro now owned by Maynilad==
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/1914-controversial-philhydro-now-owned-by-maynilad
*By: Manly M. Ugalde
*''Monday, November 05,2012''

LEGAZPI CITY—Philhydro, the controversial water-supply company that has serviced this city for five years, is now owned by Maynilad.

Former Legazpi Mayor and now city administrator Noel Rosal confirmed the sale, adding, however, that he did not know how much it was bought and what prompted Maynilad to buy the water supplier that signed a contract with Legazpi City Water District (LCWD) five years ago.

Philhydro was found by health authorities during a probe conducted by the city council in early 2011 of supplying dirty water to the city residents.

Continuing laboratory tests on its water samples also proved the water supplied to the city’s 25,000 consumers was unfit for drinking. The latest findings from the University of the Philippines Natural Science Research Institute (UPNSRI) released last month also confirmed the water was dirty.

A source from the local business community said Philhydro was a creation of a few top officials from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and LCWD.

Irene Solmirano of Entry Pinay who exposed the dirty water Philhydro supplied said the company tapped the Yawa River, known as a dumping ground of human waste, as its source of water allegedly after it found “the dismal condition of the water reservoir in Barangay Bogtong” here.

Bicol Urban Poor coordinator Numeriano de la Torre said Philhydro facilities, manned by only one or two personnel, could not possibly produce the potable mineral-type of water it boasted in exchange for its “exorbitant water rate.”

According to documents, Philhydro operated without a business permit from City Hall and minus an operational clearance from the Department of Health regional office for five years. The absence of permits was unmasked only when the city council conducted its probe early last year about the safety of Philhydro water.

Councilor  Rolly Rosal, committee chairman on public utilities, said that during the probe, Philhydro and LCWD “even had the nerve” to finger consumer-owned pipelines as the possible sources of the yellowish dirty water usually accompanied by mud which health officials claimed was unfit even for laundry washing and bathing.

The former mayor said he believes Maynilad would be a better water supplier.

Probers from the Commission on Audit last year ordered a P150-million Philhydro-LCWD disallowance covering an initial period of 2008-2009.

Following the findings of the Philhydro dirty water early in 2011, the water supplier late last year had its water sample examined by UPNSRI with minor negative findings   which was highlighted by LWUA as worthy enough for drinking. The UP finding was likewise endorsed by a health assistant secretary who downplayed the negative findings as very minor the documents showed.

Last week former Mayor Rosal said the UP result released last month showed Philhydro water remained unfit for drinking, with a certified hardness of 327 when the maximum allowed was 300. It also rated 640 for dissolved solids against the maximum allowed of 500 for the national standard for drinking water.

==RTC orders funds of sleepy Bicol town garnished==
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/1619-rtc-orders-funds-of-sleepy-bicol-town-garnished
*By: Manly M. Ugalde
*''Thursday, November 01, 2012''

LIGAO CITY, Albay—A Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge here has ordered the garnishment of less than P1-million funds of the sleepy Oas town in Albay for the local government unit’s (LGU) refusing to pay the salary of  a town official who turned whistle-blower.

But the whistleblower said though the court order was in his favor, the RTC has not compelled the town mayor and the Oas LGU to pay his claims equivalent to 18 months’ salary as of the end of last September.

The town has an annual budget of P72 million, according to documents, and can easily pay the whistle-blower’s unpaid salary.

Court records showed that Oas  municipal planning and development officer (MPDO) Jose Carlos Torres filed a complaint in court against Mayor Gregorio Ricarte for withholding his salaries starting May 2011 after he exposed an alleged extraordinary bloated land deal worth P15 million,  the actual and real cost of which was only P5 million. Added to his expose’ were several scandals involving water project payment and purchase of allegedly bloated multi-cab units. Investigation of these incidents are all pending in the Office of the Ombudsman.

Ricarte denied the charge and pointed to his accuser as among the town’s alleged shady-deal operators during his predecessors’ time.

Nevertheless, Ricarte, using an executive order he issued, ordered his treasurer and accountant to withhold Torres’ salaries on allegations the whistleblower went on Absence Without Leave (AWOL), citing the municipal employees’ log book.

Torres said he never went on AWOL and that he had been attending seminars during the alleged period of his AWOL.  He said the mayor merely replaced him as an MPDO and was placed on floating status after getting the ire of the mayor for allegedly resisting corruption in the town.

Torres said he had been the town MPDO for three decades and was never required to sign in the log book. He said he was a mid-level officer whose duties require him to be in the field.  He said the log book requirement came only after he became a whistleblower

In his order dated Aug. 3, 2012 Judge Alben Rabe of RTC Branch 12  said Ricarte committed violations and ordered him to release the withheld salaries of Torres from May 2011 to Sept 2012 or a total of P884,155.

Torres said Ricarte ignored the judge’s order, prompting Torres to seek a mandamus order which the court granted in its order dated Sept. 26, 2012.

Ricarte went to the Court of Appeals but pending the CA resolution, Judge Rabe ordered on Oct. 10, 2012,  the garnishment of the town’s funds equivalent to Torres’ unpaid salaries in the town’s depository at the Land Bank Ligao City Branch.

Torres said that despite of the court order, he has yet to receive the garnished money, saying that the town’s LandBank account no longer has the fund to pay his salary. He claimed the mayor was manipulating the situation to make him suffer.

He said, “I wish the Office of the Ombudsman would find the time to decide n the five major criminal and administrative cases I filed against the mayor more than a year ago. He claimed the cases are backed by documents he presented.

==Contact Center ng Bayan leads toward better governance==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771351577369
*By: Marlon A. Loterte
*''Tuesday, October 30, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY- A direct access channel for airing complaints, concerns, feedback and recommendations to government agencies is now possible with the launch of the Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB) of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

For the program’s initial implementation, Contact Center ng Bayan places allows one loop access to six participating agencies – Bureau of Internal Revenue, CSC, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, National Computer Center, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

The program will also provide information on the services and basic policies of the said agencies.

The creation of the contact center is anchored on the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, a law which aims to improve public service delivery.

The public can access the center by dialing 1-6565 using PLDT and Digitel landlines nationwide. Five pesos plus VAT will be charged per call. CCB agents will attend to client concerns Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CCB is not only a tool to address the citizens’ concerns but also a mechanism where the public can contribute in achieving quality public service.

The CCB will not only provide general information on the policies and procedures of participating agencies. It will also act as a two-way platform that will allow the public to express their feedback and complaints on the quality of front line public service delivery.

Other contact channels such as email and SMS Text will be developed and implemented within the next three months.

Also in the offing are the other components of the CCB that include website, interactive voice response system, contact center agents, customer relationship management system, review and utilization of the analytic, and special action team. 

==123 rescued from disabled boat off Burias==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/296656/123-rescued-from-disabled-boat-off-burias
*By: Mar S. Arguelles
*''Saturday, October 27, 2012''

The Philippine Navy rescued 123 people from a motorboat that stalled amid foul weather off Burias Island in Masbate early Saturday.

Ensign Chibar Bullos, spokesperson of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon based in this city, said the patrol gunboat PG 374  was dispatched to a search-and-rescue mission after the naval station  received a report at 2:30 a.m. that the motor boat M/B Brian was in distress in the vicinity of Cueva Point, Burias Island.

The boat, which had a crew of five, had come from Claveria, a town on the southern part of Burias, and was transporting 18 teachers and some 100 students to a district sporting event in San Pascual, on the northern part of the island, Bullos said. 

==Albay disaster execs order fishers not to sail due to ‘Ofel’==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/295118/albay-disaster-execs-order-fishers-not-to-sail-due-to-ofel
*By: Mar S. Arguelles
*''Thursday, October 25, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—Bracing for moderate to heavy rains forecast to hit Bicol, disaster authorities in Albay issued on Wednesday a “no-sailing” order to fishermen, a preparedness measure, as “Ofel” intensified into a topical storm and hovered over the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chairman, said the no-sail policy would initially apply to fishermen but once a public storm signal is raised in Bicol, the policy would apply to all sea craft in various ports in the province.

In an emergency meeting, the PDRRMC directed the Philippine Coast Guard to strictly enforce the policy for fishermen in coastal villages across the province.

Salceda advised residents not to cross flood waters or swollen rivers. He also directed various local disaster councils to activate their respective operation centers for close monitoring of weather bulletins and PDRRMC advisories. 

==Albay fishers get support==
*Source: http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/23/albay-fishers-get-support/
*By: Manila Standard Today
*''Tuesday, October 23, 2012''

POOR and marginalized Albay fisherman can now look forward to a more sustainable livelihood after their provincial government provided them vital fishing gear.

The Albay office in Makati City said their provincial government recently distributed fishing equipment to over 200 sustenance fishermen under its CRABS++ program as part of its continuing fight against poverty particularly in coastal villages.

CRABS stands for the four main islands of Albay along its Pacific coast—Cagraray, Rapurapu, Batan and San Miguel—where a special poverty alleviation program was pioneered by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda. It is also the acronym for Coastal Resource Agri-Bio System Development Program Strategy or CRABS++, the special program’s official name.

From Legazpi City, Salceda said the distribution of fishing gear is also aimed at fully stamping out sporadic illegal fishing in the waters of Albay, protecting the environment and providing sustainable income source for marginal fishermen in these areas.

The CRABS++ or CRABS plus-plus program is referred to as such because its original area coverage —the four islands—was expanded to include Albay’s western coastal areas. A contracted survey of resources in these areas by the Pacific Blue, a group of foreign and local divers. will be completed shortly.

Salceda said CRABS++ is designed to help develop Albay’s coastal barangays through new and improved ways to optimize if not maximize the beneficial utilization of, and development of the area’s resources and potentials.

The 200 sets of fishing gear came from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the form of a grant, approved by BFAR Regional Director Dennis V. Del Socorro.

==Albay officials bullish on Poet Laureate’s role in tourism enhancement==
*Source: http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/22/albay-officials-bullish-on-poet-laureates-role-in-tourism-enhancement/
*By: manilastandardtoday.com
*''Monday, October 22, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY – Albay officials here have expressed bullish optimism the Poet Laureate office they established recently will do wonders to the tourism development program of their province.

The honorific Poet Laureate position was created through an ordinance passed by the Albay Sangguniang Panlalawigan recently. It has been tasked to oversee, promote and enhance the implementation of the cultural and literary programs of the province and made a part of its Provincial Education Department (PED).

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda has implemented various innovative governance and tourism-oriented programs here, along with festivals and literary events including poetry promotion which is seen by many to have added depth and substance to the Albayano culture.

Albay has already made impressive strides and gains in tourism development. Records show its tourist arrivals in 2011 had hit 178,000, an increase that was significantly higher than the national growth rate for the year.

Board Member Embestro who authored the ordinance creating the office said literature and poetry play a significant role in the rich cultural heritage of Albayanos as manifested by their many festivals held year round. Among such festivals are the Magayon, Daragang Magayon, Ibalong, Cagsawa, Pulang Angui, Arandurugan, Quipia, Lubid, and Coron.

Embestro said the program of the Poet Laureate office will lend a more romantic essence to their province’s tourism program since “literature shapes diverse lives and poetry stimulates people to better appreciate and comprehend culture and history.”

In promptly approving the position, Salceda pointed out that in the olden days, a Poet Laureate is a regular post in the King’s Court.

Albay recently hosted the two-day First Asean Tourism Workshop on Climate Change which was attended by tourism ministers and policy makers from the 10 member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which groups Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

==Farmers’ co-ops disown seized rice==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/291630/farmers-co-ops-disown-seized-rice
*By: Mar S. Arguelles
*''Friday, October 19, 2012''

Firm surfaces at hearing to claim ownership of shipment from Vietnam

LEGAZPI CITY—The mystery deepens over the P141 million worth of rice believed to be smuggled from Vietnam and which found its way to this city’s port.

At a hearing yesterday here, three farmers’ groups that were listed as consignees of the rice shipment denied that they sought permits to import the rice.

Representatives of the farmers groups—Ugnayan Magbubukid ng San Isidro, Pampanga (Ugnayan); Karapatan Takusa Multi-Purpose Cooperative Malipampang Concerned Citizen Inc. (Karapatan) and Samahan ng Magsasakang Kapampangan at Katagalogan (SMKK)—told the Bureau of Customs that they did not import the rice.

In the same hearing, a private firm surfaced to claim ownership of the shipment. Representatives of the firm Green Valley United Corp. told Customs officials at the hearing that the firm is the shipment’s owner although it is not listed as a consignee.

The shipment, consisting of 94,000 bags of Vietnam rice, arrived at the city port last Sept. 2. It was consigned to the National Food Authority on behalf of several farmers’ cooperatives that included the three groups that denied having any role in the importation.

A list of the consignees purportedly showed that 21,000 bags were for Ugnayan, 21,000 bags were for Karapatan and 18,000 bags were for SMKK. The three farmers’ cooperatives, however, denied that they were consignees of the rice shipment.

Only two of the farmers’ groups that are listed as consignees acknowledged the importation. They are the Sili Multi-Purpose Cooperative and the Samahan ng mga Kapampangan sa San Ildefonso. Representatives of the two groups claimed they have importation documents.

Also at the Customs hearing here, the lawyer of Ming Truong Shipping Lines, the agent that brought in the rice, filed a motion asking Customs officials to release the vessel used for the shipment, MV Minh Tuan 68, and discharge the rice cargo.

The Customs bureau had issued a warrant of seizure and detention that prevented the vessel from leaving the city port and prevented the release of the rice cargo.

The shipping company claimed that it has been incurring huge losses since the vessel was prevented from leaving the city port and kept docked there for more than a month now.

Christopher Inducil, lawyer and Customs hearing officer, said the Customs bureau would soon decide when to release the vessel. Inducil said the vessel was found to have complied with environmental laws after an inspection by the Philippine Coast Guard.

Inducil said the bureau would also decide on a request by those behind the rice shipment to transfer the venue of the hearing to the Customs office in Manila. A decision may be out on this matter by Nov. 8, according to Inducil. 

==Controversy over Vietnam rice heats up==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/291416/controversy-over-vietnam-rice-heats-up
*By: Mar S. Arguelles
*''Thursday, October 18, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—The controversy over the allegedly smuggled 94,000 bags of Vietnam rice worth P141 million continued to brew after three of the consignees of the National Food Authority denied they ordered the importation while another organization not on the list claimed ownership of part of the shipment.

At the Bureau of Customs hearing held here on Wednesday, representatives of supposed consignees Ugnayan Magbubukid ng San Isidro, Pampanga, Karapatan Takusa Multi Purpose Cooperative Malipampang Concerned Citizen Inc., and Samahan ng Magsasakang Kapampangan at Katagalogan denied they participated in the importation of the 94,000 bags rice.

Representatives of these multipurpose cooperatives told the hearing officers they had no knowledge of the rice importation.

Only the Sili Multi Purpose Cooperative, and the Samahan ng mga Kapampangan sa San Ildefonso–who were on the list of consignees–claimed ownership of the imported rice, saying they have the import documents.

In an unusual turn of events, the representatives of Green Valley United Corp. appeared at the hearing and claimed ownership of the shipment although their entity was not included in the NFA list of consignees.

The 94,000 bags of Vietnam rice arrived at the Legazpi port on September 2.

The cargo was consigned to the NFA for the account of the Ugnayan  Magbubukid ng San Isidro, Inc., Magumbali, Candaba, Pampanga (21,000 bags of Vietnam rice); Karapatan Takusa Multi Purpose Coop of Mapanicqui Candaba, Palawan (21,000 bags); Malipampang Concern Citizen Multi Purpose Coop, Malipampang, San Ildefonso Bulacan (18,000 bags); Samahan ng Magsasakang Capangpangan at Katagalogan Multi Purpose Coop, Garlang San Ildefonso, Bulacan (18,000 bags); and Sili Multi Purpose Coop, Sili Naguilian La Union (16,000 bags).

At the hearing, the legal counsel of Ming Truong Shipping lines, the agent of Vietnamese vessel M/V Minh Tuan 68 that brought the cargo to this city, filed a motion requesting the BOC to release the vessel and discharge the cargo subject of the BOC Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD).

The shipping company claimed it has incurred huge revenue losses because the vessel has been detained at the port of Legazpi for more than a month.

Lawyer Christopher Inducil, BOC hearing officer, said they would soon decide on when to release the vessel after noting that shipping company has addressed all the environmental violations earlier found by inspectors from the Philippine Coast Guard.

Inducil said there was also a request from the consignees to change the hearing venue to the BOC office in Manila. The matter would be decided on the hearing to be held here on November 8, he said. 

==DTI urges consumers to be vigilant==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771350436024
*By: Sally A. Atento
*''Wednesday, October 17, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY- In time for the observance of the Consumers Welfare Month this October, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reminded anew consumers to be vigilant especially in buying goods and services.

“We advise consumer to always be vigilant and critically aware of their rights in buying goods and services. Their purchase should be commensurate with the money parted,” said DTI Consumer Welfare Division (CWD) Chief Helen Manila in the Ugnayan sa Bicol radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here.

Manila said DTI will be conducting various activities in the region as the leading agency for this year’s celebration.

In line with the theme “Get organized, be heard, be empowered” said activities will focus on consumer rights education as stated in the Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

“Under this act, consumers have eight basic rights. These include the right to basic needs, safety, information, representation, choice, redress, consumer education and healthy environment,” Manila explained.

Manila said the need for consumers to be aware of misleading labels and advertisements by reading the specified information especially the precautions and warning in using it.

“They can even file a complaint if the information does not correspond with the actual product. We have our consumer complaint desks not only in our office but also in different business establishments to address the concerns of our consumers,” said the DTI CWD chief.

Also clarified is the “no return, no exchange” policy which has been prohibited by the DTI.

Manila said the agency should be notified about stores that have a “no return, no exchange” policy. She said, however, that such policy is not absolute. Consumers are allowed to return or exchange products only due to defects and not simply because they changed their mind about wanting the product. 

==Man, wife and sis-in-law nabbed for drugs==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=858369
*By: www.philstar.com
*''Thursday, October 11, 2012''

A man, his wife and sister-in-law were arrested in an anti-narcotics operation in Tabaco City, Albay on Wednesday morning.

Christian Frivaldo, deputy regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Bicol, identified the suspects as Adonis Villanueva, his wife Airene Kallos and sister-in-law Lani.

Frivaldo said that that suspects were arrested after joint teams from the PDEA and Albay provincial police office searched their house in Barangay Sto. Cristo, which resulted in the confiscation of 12 sachets of suspected shabu and several drug paraphernalia.

Charges for violations of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 have been filed against the three suspects at the City Prosecutors Office.

==Tabaco City wants to be named country’s ‘padyak’ capital==
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/318-tabaco-city-wants-to-be-named-country-s-padyak-capital
*By: Manly M. Ugalde
*''Tuesday, October 09, 2012''

TABACO CITY, Albay— Known for its cutlery making, this city of 45 barangays continues the building of manually operated tricycles called “padyak.”

This “city of love” wants to be unofficially declared as the “padyak” capital of the country and recognized as such in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Estimated to number around 10,000 units when Tabaco became a city nine years ago, City Hall statistics, however, show that only about 600 operate with duly registered and duly issued plate numbers.

About three decades ago, a “padyak” owner said tricycles were free to operate without any registration but then mayor Jaime Berces tried to limit their numger because of the rampant complaints of overcharging.

Berces thus imposed the mandatory registration, and the issuance of plate and body numbers to help them trace erring drivers. He also wanted to limit the number of units to decongest Tabaco roads.

To make his campaign effective, Berces even imposed registration charges in addition to the 25- centavo daily ticket collected on “padyak” by city collectors. Berces’ formula, however, went ineffective as “padyak” units continued to proliferate. He then increased the registration fee to P300. At that time, about 2,000 units were already operating.

Today, Tabaco City has to contend with accommodating “padyak” units. To decongest traffic, the city barred the units from using the city national poblacion road from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Today, about 10,000 residents make the “padyak” their main source of livelihood.  Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro wants Tabaco recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “padyak” capital of the Philippines.  Luistro even included with pride “padyak” parade with operators in uniform during a colorful annual celebration of the city’s Tabak festival.

But traffic policemen admit that tricycles have become a bane in the city, saying operators do not earn enough for a decent livelihood. They said a “padyak” operator seldom earns P100 a day, blaming the low income to the excessive numbers of units operating daily and night.

City Councilor Fred Adalla, chair committee on public utilities and transportation admitted the problem facing the city about the proliferation of tricycles saying passengers are complaining they are victims of high charges ranging from P30 to P50. But he said the city is not stopping in looking for solutions to minimize the problem.

==Bicol Express Online Ticket Mulled==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375988/bicol-express-online-ticket-mulled
*By: KRIS BAYOS
*''Friday, October 05, 2012''

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) is mulling the implementation of online ticketing for the interprovincial trips of the Bicol Express as soon as it will start operations up to Legazpi City in Albay.

PNR General Manager Junio Ragrario said it is inconveniencing Bicol Express passengers is they have to go to the train station twice: first, to buy their tickets ahead of scheduled trips and second, to board their assigned trains on the date of travel.

“We are mulling the possibility of ticketing for Bicol Express through the Internet so that passengers will only have to go to the train station once, which is during their scheduled trips,” Ragrario added.

The rail official said the online ticketing that they are studying to use for the Bicol Express would be similar to the online ticketing for airline passengers.

But since online ticketing would require payment using credit cards, it may not be convenient for all types of passengers, Ragrario said, adding that cash payment for advance ticketing at train stations may still be available for the benefit of those who do not have credit cards.

However, the PNR’s commuter line running from Tutuban in Manila to Alabang in Muntinlupa City will still implement manual ticketing until the government bids out an automatic fare collection system for the PNR, and the Light and Metro Rail Transit systems.

Meanwhile, the rehabilitation of rail tracks and train stations in Albay is ongoing to allow the Bicol Express to run up to Legazpi City before the annual exodus of people to the provinces for their Christmas and New Year’s vacation.

“We target to finish by December so that the Bicol Express could transport passengers up to Legazpi City in time for Christmas,” he said.

Ragrario said the trip from Manila to Legazpi City aboard Bicol Express will be 13 to 14 hours long but they will make its fare “very competitive” with the rates of ordinary buses to lure passengers to opt for the comfort of rail travel.

Wooden larch ties are being installed in the Travesia bridge between Polangui and Guinobatan. There are at least 15 to 20 kilometers of rail tracks between Guinobatan and Legazpi City that need inspection and rehabilitation before the PNR’s Bicol Express can service the route. The stations in Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga and Legazpi City will also need renovation for the reopening.

There is a total distance of 30 kilometer between Ligao and Legazpi City stations and a total of 478 kilometers from Tutuban to Legazpi City. 

==Albay allots P36-M fund for higher education scholarship==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771349312379
*By: Sally A. Atento
*''Thursday, October 04, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY- This province is taking into heart that education may free one from poverty hence, the province of Albay has allocated P36 million for its Albay Higher Education Contractual Scheme (AHECS) scholarship program benefiting around 34,000 scholars in the province.

Albay Governor Jose Salceda said 14,000 of these scholars are expected to graduate this year from their four-year course.

Salceda noted that the AHECS program has produced around 144,000 to 186,000 scholars from 53 colleges and universities in the province since its implementation in 2010.

Scholars under the said program are supported until they graduate through a deferred payment scheme. Part of their school fees are paid by the provincial government through the P5, 000 enrollment assistance given per semester of study.

Committee on Education chairman and Albay board member Arnold Embestro, however, said that they temporarily stopped accepting AHECS scholars this year due to the unexpected budget cut from the internal revenue allotment of the province.

Acceptance of new AHECS scholars is expected to resume next year.

Meanwhile, Salceda clarified that the provincial government has ongoing education assistance programs for deserving college students aside from the AHECS such as the Emergency Financial Assistance to Students in Tertiary Education.

The AHECS program is part of the Education Quality for Albayanos (Equal) project of Salceda which aims to produce a college graduate in every Albayano home. 

==78 monitored for dengue-like disease in Albay village — health official==
*Source: www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/276450/news/regions/78-monitored-for-dengue-like-disease-in-albay-village-mdash-health-official
*By: KBK, GMA News
*''Tuesday, October 02, 2012''

Some 78 residents in a village in Albay province are being monitored for a dengue-like disease, the provincial health officer there said Tuesday.
 
Provincial health office head Dr. Luis Mendoza said that while the 78 showed signs of chikungunya, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes that causes fever and severe joint pain, they did not need to be hospitalized.
 
"Nang nagpunta kami kahapon para i-validate namin, ang initial, umabot na lang sa 78. Ang iba hindi talaga chikungunya," Mendoza said in an interview on dzBB radio. "Walang naospital, outpatient lahat."
 
He said they have taken blood samples from the patients and are continuously monitoring the situation.
 
Mendoza stressed residents must keep their surroundings clean to prevent mosquitoes that carry the disease from breeding. "Kailangan maglinis pa rin," he said.
 
A separate report on state-run Philippine Information Agency cited initial reports that 83 residents in Barangay San Ramon in Rapu-Rapu in Albay were afflicted by chikungunya.
 
Albay Governor Jose Salceda ordered Mendoza to check on the reported sudden rise of chikungunya cases over the last three weeks there.
 
Symptoms, treatment
 
The World Health Organization’s March 2008 fact sheet said symptoms of chikungunya include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rashes.
 
“The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms,” the WHO said.
 
It added the proximity of mosquito breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for chikungunya.
 
The WHO said the disease occurs in Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent though it has recently spread to Europe and the Americas.
 
Signs and symptoms include an abrupt onset of fever frequently accompanied by joint pain.
 
“The joint pain is often very debilitating, but usually ends within a few days or weeks. Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years. Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints. Serious complications are not common, but in older people, the disease can contribute to the cause of death. Often symptoms in infected individuals are mild and the infection may go unrecognized, or be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue occurs,” it said.
 
After the bite of an infected mosquito, illness occurs usually between four and eight days but can range from two to 12 days.
 
“There are no specific drugs to cure the disease. Treatment is directed primarily at relieving the symptoms, including the joint pain. There is no commercial chikungunya vaccine,” the WHO said. 

==83 villagers fall ill with Chikungunya fever in Albay’s Rapu-rapu==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/280632/83-villagers-fall-ill-with-chikungunya-fever-in-albays-rapu-rapu
*By: Mar S. Arguelles
*''Monday, October 01, 2012''

LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY, Philippines – Chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne disease, struck a village on Batan Island of the town of Rapu-Rapu in Albay, afflicting some 83 villagers, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said Monday.

Salceda said he has directed Dr. Luis Mendoza, the provincial health officer, to check on the reported sudden rise of the chikungunya fever cases over the last three weeks in Barangay San Ramon, Batan.

Chikungunya fever is similar to dengue but is milder in form and without bleeding. Symptoms include on and off fever, rashes and muscle and body pains, according to the Department of Health. 

The governor said municipal health employees reported that the cases of the mosquito-borne disease in the Barangay San Ramon stood at 70 in the middle of September and surged to 83 cases by the end of the month.

Batan is one of the three islands under the town of Rapu-Rapu.

The others are Guinanayan and Rapu-Rapu, where the town center is situated.

Batan is only accessible by boat and is about three hours by boat from this city.

Salceda said he also directed the provincial health office to closely coordinate with the municipal health office employees due to the absence of a full time municipal doctor in the area.

He said a PHO epidemiology surveillance team would start gathering laboratory examinations specimens from the patients that would be sent brought to the Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol, located in this city, for analysis.

Mendoza, who went to Batan with a team of medical personnel, brought along medicines to treat the patients that fell ill of chikungunya fever.